Japan has joined other countries in a crack-down on taking portable chargers on flights. On Monday, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced a raft of new rules for passengers carrying the devices. Set to go into effect 8 July, travellers will have to keep power banks – even when not being used – in sight at all times and not stowed in overhead lockers.
Those travelling on domestic flights in Japan, or on one of its carriers internationally, such as All Nippon Airways or Japan Airlines, will also face restrictions on the kind of chargers they can bring. To reduce the potential risk of explosions and fires, batteries with a capacity exceeding 160 watt-hours will be banned. Those on board will only be able to bring two of the devices when flying, under the ministry’s cap.
Portable electronic devices, such a phones or laptops – when being charged – will also have to be put in a place where they can be monitored constantly to check for overheating.
The changes come on top of restrictions already in place preventing power banks being stored in checked-in luggage in plane holds.
Japan follows China’s Civil Aviation Administration in tightening rules on portable chargers.
Last Saturday, the Chinese regulator ruled that anyone travelling by plane in China can only carry devices certified for safety in the country.
The drive to clamp down comes after the devices were pointed to as a possible cause for the fire which destroyed an Air Busan plane and injured seven in South Korea this January.
This prompted the country to remind passengers to keep chargers within reach and sight. Taiwanese carriers, EVA Air and China Airlines, followed suit, banning any use or charging of the banks.
Ryanair also asks travellers to refrain from putting portable chargers in overhead bins.
The Air Transport Association, a trade body of 350 airlines accounting for more than 80 per cent of global air traffic, has said: “We recommend that you keep all your electronic devices in carry-on baggage.”
In the US alone, there were 84 incidents involving the malfunction of lithium-ion batteries – the type commonly found in portable chargers – last year. The figure was 32 in 2016.
The popular devices have been flying off shelves, with the UK market valued at $62m in 2023, according to market intelligence firm Next Move Strategy Consulting.